​

Dermot,

I worked on this 30 years ago,​ and I remember asking the exact same question. If memory serves correctly (and it may be

​unreliable

 here), I believe Sayana's commentary

​is

 helpful here

​ in getting to Eggeling's definition​

.

​ 

(I'm away from my library right now, and I cannot check

​.​

)​

​Herman 

Herman Tull
Princeton, NJ

On Jun 25, 2016 11:19 AM, <dermot@grevatt.force9.co.uk> wrote:

Can someone help with a bit of brAhmaNa interpretation?

Monier-Williams and Mayrhofer both say aMsala means "strong", connecting it with aMsa
"shoulder". Mayrhofer adds that it's used mainly with reference to cattle and meat.

In xatapatha brAhmaNa 3.1.2.21 Eggeling translates it "tender".

The context is a prohibition on eating beef -- apparently not for everyone at all times, but for
someone undertaking dIkSA. After an arthavAda justifying the prohibition, YAjnavalkya is
quoted as saying "axnAmy evAham aMsalaM ced bhavati."

Eggeling: "I, for one, eat it, provided that it is tender."

Is there any evidence for a meaning "tender", or is Eggeling taking a liberty to give
YAjnavalkya a good punch line?

I realise that ancient Indian diet can be a sensitive issue, but the question here seems to be
about YAjnavalkya's culinary preference.

I'd be grateful for any clarification.

Dermot

--
Dermot Killingley
9, Rectory Drive,
Gosforth,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1XT
Phone (0191) 285 8053


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